Why in NEWS
India is preparing for its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2025 under the AXIOM-4 mission. Led by ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the experiments aim to explore sustainable life systems in space, including food and waste recycling, under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) policy.
Key Terms/Concepts in Simple Terms
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ISS | A space station where astronauts live and do science experiments in orbit |
| ISRO | Indian Space Research Organisation – India’s space agency |
| AXIOM-4 | A US-based private space mission to the ISS by Axiom Space |
| Microgravity | Low gravity condition experienced in space |
| Spirulina | A protein-rich, antioxidant-packed blue-green algae (superfood) |
| BioE3 Policy | India’s new biotechnology policy promoting sustainable, space-ready solutions |
Key Points
- India’s First Biological Space Mission: Scheduled for June 2025, part of AXIOM-4, in collaboration with Axiom Space, a US private company.
- 2 Indian Astronauts will participate in the ISS mission.
- BioE3 Experiments Include:
- Microalgae in Microgravity: Testing algae growth, CO₂ absorption, and oxygen production—critical for air recycling and nutrition.
- Spirulina & Cyanobacteria Study: Uses human waste (urea/nitrate) to grow Spirulina—tested as space food and bio-recycler.
- These studies support waste-to-resource models, enabling long-term space missions and future space habitats.
- BioE3 Policy (2024): Promotes biotech-driven solutions for economic, environmental, and employment gains, aiming to strengthen the circular bioeconomy and India’s Net Zero goals.
In a Nutshell
SASR: Spirulina – Algae – Sustainability – Recycling
(Mnemonic for space life essentials under BioE3)
Prelims MCQs
- What is the main focus of India’s first biological experiments aboard the ISS?
a) Testing new rocket fuels
b) Space-based communication systems
c) Sustainability of life using algae and Spirulina
d) Human bone density in zero gravity - Spirulina, which is being tested in the BioE3 mission, is:
a) A mineral-rich meteorite sample
b) A superfood derived from algae
c) A robotic AI system for space labs
d) A type of bacteria used in vaccines - Which private space company is operating the AXIOM-4 mission to the ISS?
a) SpaceX
b) Axiom Space
c) Blue Origin
d) Virgin Galactic
Prelims Answers Table
| Q No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c | The experiments focus on using algae and Spirulina to sustain life in space |
| 2 | b | Spirulina is a protein-rich, antioxidant algae being tested as space food |
| 3 | b | Axiom-4 is operated by Axiom Space, a private US space company |
